Last updated: 09/07/2018, 6:18 PM

Visible fire at hotel in Knightsbridge

06/06/2018 15:55
Westminster
Fire at commercial property
)

Twenty fire engines and 120 firefighters and officers were called to a visible fire at a hotel on Knightsbridge.

The external planting facade was damaged by fire. Small parts of several floors of the hotel, the roof and plant machinery on the roof also sustained fire damage.

A total of 36 hotel guests and 250 hotel staff were evacuated from the building and there were no reports of any injuries.  

The Brigade's 999 control officers took around 40 calls to the fire, which produced a large plume of smoke and could be seen for miles around. 

Station Manager Pam Oparaocha, who was at the scene, said:

“The smoke from this large fire was very visible across central London and we received a number of emergency calls. Firefighters worked extremely hard in exceptionally hot conditions to bring the fire under control. Crews wearing breathing apparatus carried out search and rescue operations throughout the inside of the building.”

Deputy Commissioner Director of Safety and Assurance Steve Apter said:

"Once again, the skills, professionalism and quality of London Fire Brigade was tested at a challenging fire in Knightsbridge today. Really proud to be able to see first hand the team at it's best."

The Brigade was called at 1555 and was under control by 2151. Fire crews from Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Battersea and other surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the byproduct of arc welding landing on the felt lining of the planting facade.